63 citations
,
December 2013 in “PLoS ONE” Finasteride may reduce prostate cancer spread by lowering certain enzyme levels.
46 citations
,
January 2010 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Mice lacking Insig proteins had hair growth problems due to cholesterol buildup, but this was fixed by the drug simvastatin.
32 citations
,
May 2010 in “Pharmacopsychiatry” Finasteride reduces new brain cells in male mice, possibly causing depression.
18 citations
,
June 2017 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” A gene called Gk5 controls lipid production in the skin and affects hair growth.
January 2004 in “Online Publication Service of Würzburg University (Würzburg University)” Women with PCOS have higher 5alpha-reductase activity, affecting steroid levels.
196 citations
,
May 2001 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Sebocytes play a key role in controlling androgen levels in human skin.
59 citations
,
May 2014 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets” The document concludes that targeting 5α-reductase, the androgen receptor, and hair growth genes, along with using compounds with anti-androgenic properties, could lead to more effective hair loss treatments.
17 citations
,
April 2021 in “Clinical Phytoscience” Chitrak is a medicinal plant with health benefits like fighting microbes, reducing inflammation, and promoting hair growth, but it can be toxic and needs more research.
14 citations
,
January 2019 in “Journal of Natural Medicines” Chaga mushrooms contain compounds that may promote hair growth better than common treatments.
11 citations
,
August 1997 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents” Many potential alopecia treatments need more testing to confirm they promote acceptable hair growth with minimal side effects.
10 citations
,
December 2005 in “Aktuelle Dermatologie” Alfatradiol (0.025%) is an effective and safe treatment for hair loss in both women and men.
4 citations
,
May 2019 in “Biology open” Testosterone reduces heart damage and inflammation after injury.
1 citations
,
September 2022 in “Problems of Endocrinology” Dutasteride shows promise as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease.
December 2020 in “Current Sexual Health Reports” Finasteride can have lasting negative effects on brain function and behavior by disrupting neurosteroid production.
January 2003 in “Elsevier eBooks” Androgens and other hormones affect hair growth and skin conditions like acne.
44 citations
,
July 2012 in “Endocrine Practice” We need to learn more about 5α-reductases and neuroactive steroids to safely make drugs targeting these enzymes.
November 2012 in “Endocrine Practice” Enzymes called 5α-reductases have many body functions and need more research to safely use inhibitors.
February 2026 in “NeuroSci” Finasteride and dutasteride may cause depression and anxiety, especially in younger men.
18 citations
,
May 2002 in “BJUI” Finasteride doesn't change rat testicle weight or sperm production.
1 citations
,
April 2022 in “Applied sciences” Bitter melon extract may help prevent hair loss and can be used in cosmetic products.
27 citations
,
April 2008 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry” HMG-CoA reductase is crucial for skin wound healing by regulating keratinocyte growth and blood vessel formation.
2 citations
,
June 2022 in “Molecules” Connarus semidecandrus Jack extract promotes hair growth and thickness, reduces prostate cancer cell growth, and could potentially be used as a treatment for hair loss.
2 citations
,
January 2019 in “Annals of Dermatology” Melandrium firmum extract helps mice grow hair by blocking a hair loss enzyme and changing hair growth genes.
6 citations
,
July 2024 in “Heliyon” Steroid 5α-reductase evolved from protists and diversified in eukaryotes, with specific roles in mammals and plants.
December 2023 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Men with early balding showed higher levels of certain genes linked to hair loss and possibly prostate cancer.
3 citations
,
December 2021 in “Frontiers in Pharmacology” Ficus benghalensis leaf extracts can effectively promote hair growth and inhibit hair loss.
1 citations
,
October 2025 in “EBioMedicine” Women have a higher DHT/testosterone ratio than men, possibly due to gut bacteria activity.
1 citations
,
July 2022 in “Frontiers in Pharmacology” Dutasteride may help protect neurons and reduce inflammation in Parkinson's disease.
May 2025 in “Frontiers in Bioinformatics” Jamogenin from plants may help hair growth and is a potential alternative to finasteride.
7 citations
,
March 2015 in “The American Journal of the Medical Sciences” Finasteride helps reduce blood vessel growth in diabetic rat kidneys.